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CONSTITUTION  AND  BY-LAWS 


OF    THE 


I  SAINT    LOUIS 

Mercantile  Library  Association, 


ORIGINALLY    ADOPTED,   1846. 


As  Revised,  1890. 


CONSTITUTION  AND  BY-LAWS 


OF  THE 


SAINT  LOUIS 


Mercaitile  Lilrary  AssoclaliOD. 


0:ElTC3rXl<TJLlL,lL>^    .i^ZDOIPTlUID,    1846. 


AS  REVISED,  1590. 


ST.  LOUIS: 

PRINTED    FOR    THK    ASSOCIATION 

liY  NiXOX-JONES  PlilNTING  CO. 

1890. 


TRUSTEES. 


JAMES   E.  YEATMAN 
R.  M.  SCRUGGS. 
ALFRED    CARR. 
CHARLES   MILLER. 
J.  B.  S.  LEMOINE. 

LIBRARY 
SCHOOL 


TO  INCORPORATE  THE  ST.  LOUIS  MERCANTILE  LIBRARY 
ASSOCIATION. 


Whereas,  An  Association  has  heretofore  been  formed  in  the  City  of  St. 
Louis  called  the  "  St.  I^ouis  Mercantile  Library  Association,"  the  object 
of  which  is  the  establishment  of  a  Library  and  Reading  Room;  the  col- 
lection of  a  scientific  cabinet  and  apparatus,  and  of  works  of  art,  and 
for  other  literary  and  scientific  purposes;  now,  therefore,  in  order  to 
encourage  and  promote  the  above  declared  objects  of  said  association. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Missouri  as  follows : 

Section  l.  James  E.  Yeatman,  Alfred  Vinton,  Robert  M.  Renick,  Seth 
A.  Ranlett,  Robert  W.  Ayres,  Wm.  M.  Morrison,  John  H.  Simpson,  Rich- 
ard D.  Van  Xostrand,  Charles  Enness,  John  Keyes,  John  Elliot,  Jr.,  and 
John  Halsall,  of  the  City  of  St.  Louis,  and  their  associates  and  succes- 
sors forever,  are  hereby  declared  and  created  a  body  corporate,  by  the 
name  and  style  of  the  "  St.  Louis  Mercantile  Library  Association;"  and 
by  that  name  shall  have  perpetual  succession;  shall  be  capable,  in  law, 
to  contract  and  be  contracted  with,  sue  and  be  sued,  implead  and  be 
impleaded,  within  all  courts  of  competent  jurisdiction;  may  receive, 
acquire  and  hold  real  and  personal  property  and  effects,  suitable  to  the 
carrying  out  of  objects  of  tlie  association;  may  have  a  common  seal,  and 
alter  the  same  at  their  pleasure;  may  make  such  constitution,  regula- 
tions and  by-laws  as  may  be  requisite  for  its  government,  and  for  carry- 
ing out  the  objects  of  the  association,  and  not  contrary  to  the  laws  of  the 
land,  and  may  alter  the  same  at  their  pleasure. 

Sec.  2.  The  constitution  and  by-laws  of  said  association,  now  in  oper- 
ation, shall  govern  the  corporation  hereby  created  until  regularly  altered 
or  repealed  by  the  association,  and  the  present  officers  of  said  association 
shall  be  officers  of  the  corporation  hereby  created  until  their  respective 
terms  of  office  shall  regularlj'  expire  or  be  vacated. 

This  act  shall  be  a  public  act,  and  shall  be  in  force  from  its  passage. 

Approved  February  16, 1847. 

Office  of  Secretary  op  State. 

I,  Falkland  H.  Martin,  Secretary  of  State  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  do 
certify  that  the  foregoing  is  a  true  copy  of  an  act  of  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  State  of  Missouri,  entitled,""  An  act  to  Incorporate  the  St. 
Louis  Mercantile  Library  Association,"  approved  February  16, 1817. 

In  Testimony  Whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand,  and  affixed  the 
seal  of  said  office.    Done  at  tlie  City  of  Jefferson  this  twenty- 

[seal.]  third  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  forty-seven. 

FALKLAND  H.  MARTIN, 

Secretary  of  State. 


Wi533899 


TO  AMP:ND  an  act  entitled  "  AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE 
THE  ST.  LOUIS  MERCANTILE  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION,"  AP- 
PROVED FEBRUARY  16,  1847. 


Be  it  enacted  hij  the  General  Assemhhj  of  the  State  of  Missouri  asfolloics: 

Sectio.v  1.  The  charter  of  said  corporation  is  hereby  amended  by 
adding  thereto  the  following  provisions:  The  real  estate  belonging  to 
said  corporation  shall  be  managed  and  controlled,  except  as  hereinafter 
mentioned,  by  a  board  of  five  trustees,  members  of  said  corporation, 
who  shall  be  elected  at  an  annual  meeting,  or  any  meeting  specially 
called  for  that  purpose.  Those  only  are  eligible  to  be  elected  to  said 
b  )ard  of  trustees  who  have  been,  and  who  have  ceased  to  be,  president 
or  vice-president  of  said  corporation,  and  at  the  time  of  their  election 
are  residents  of  the  county  of  St.  Louis,  and  said  trustees  shall  not  then, 
nor  during  their  term  of  office,  be  members  of  the  board  of  directors  of 
said  corporation.  No  conveyance  in  fee,  mortgage,  or  deed  of  trust  in 
the  nature  of  a  mortgage,  nor  leasn  for  a  longer  period  than  ten  years, 
shall  be  made  of  any  real  estate  belonging  to  said  corporation,  unless  the 
same  shall  be  ordered  to  be  made  by  the  board  of  direction,  three- 
fourths  of  the  whole  number  of  the  members  composing  said  board  vot- 
ing therefor,  nor  unless  the  same  shall  also  be  concurred  in  by  at  least 
four  of  said  board  of  trustees;  wnen  it  sliall  be  the  duty  of  the  members 
composing  said  board  of  trustees  to  execute  such  conveyance,  lease, 
mortgage,  or  deed  of  trust,  and  affix  the  seal  of  said  corporation  thereto; 
provided,  hoicever,  that  the  said  board  of  direction,  as  to  all  leases  of  anj' 
real  estate  for  a  period  of  less  than  ten  years,  shall  use  and  enjoy  the 
same  powers  that  they  possessed  before  the  passage  of  this  act.  The 
said  trustees  shall  severally  hold  their  offices  while  they  reside  in  the 
county  of  St.  Louis,  and  any  vacancy  caused  by  death,  resignation,  re- 
moval from  the  county  of  St.  Louis,  inca))acity  to  serve  as  such  trustee, 
shall  be  filled  by  the  remaining  trustees.  A  copy  of  the  minutes  of  said 
board  of  direction  of  any  such  order,  certified  by  the  secretary  of 
said  corporation  to  be  a  true  copy  of  such  (»rder,  and  annexed  to  the 
deed,  siiall  be  evidence  of  the  action  of  said  board.  The  first  election  of 
said  board  of  trustees  shall  be  made  at  the  annual  meeting  of  said  cor- 
poration at,  or  next  after,  the  acceptance  of  tliis  amendment  by  said  cor- 
poration, or  at  any  meeting  called  for  the  puri)ose  ot  seeing  whether  said 
corporation  will  accept   this  act. 

SEcnoN  2.    This  act  shall  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  28,  1874. 

Office  of  SECRtrrAuv  or  State,  / 
CiTv  OF  Jefferson,  Mo.         s 

I,  Eugene  F.  Weigel,  Secretary  of  State  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  do 
hereby  certify  that  the  annexed  pages  contain  a  true,  complete  and  full 
copy  of  an  act  of  the  General  Vssembl\'  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  entitled 
"  An  Act  to  Amend  an  Act  Entitled, '  An  Act  lo  Incorporate  the  St.  Louis 
Mercantile  Library  Association,'  .\pproved  February  16,  1847,"  Api)roved 
March  28,  1874,  as  appears  by  comparing  the  same  with  the  original  roll 
of  said  act,  now  on  file  as  the  law  directs,  in  this  office. 

Isr  Testimony  Whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  affixed  my 
r  -]     official  seal.     Done  at  office  this  seventliday  of  August,  A.  1). 

I  ^J     eighteen  linndrod  and  seventy-four 

EUGENE  F.  WEIGEL, 

Secretaru  of  State. 


CONSTITUTION- 


We,  the  subscribers,  principally  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  in  the 
City  of  St.  Louis  — desirous  of  securing  the  most  efficient  means  for  facili- 
tating mutual  intercourse;  extending  our  information  upon  mercantile 
and  otlier  subjects  of  general  utility;  promoting  a  spirit  of  useful  inquiry, 
and  qualifying  ourselves  to  discharge  properly  the  duties  of  our  profes- 
sion, and  the  social  offices  of  life  —have  associated  for  the  purpose  of 
collecting  a  library  and  cabinet,  establishing  a  reading  room,  and 
organizing  a  system  of  instru  tion,  by  lectures,  classes  and  sucli  other 
means  of  mutual  improvement,  as  may  be  found  advantageous,  and  have, 
for  our  organization  and  government,  adopted  this  constitution, 

CHAPTER  I. 

OF  MEMBERS. 

Article  1.  This  association  shall  be  known  by  the 
name  of  the  "St.  Louis  Mercantile  Library  Associa- 
tion." 

Art.  2.  This  association  shall  be  composed  of  persons 
engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits,  and  of  such  other  per- 
sons as  may  be  elected  honorary  members  by  the  board  of 
direction  or  as  shall  become  members  as  is  hereinafter 
provided. 

Art.  3.  Any  person,  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits, 
may,  upon  the  approval  of  the  board  of  direction,  be- 
come a  member  of  this  association  on  the  following 
terms:  Subsciibing  the  constitution;  and  if  a  clerk, 
paying  an  initiation  fee  of  two  dollars,  and  the  farther 
sum  of  three  dollars,  per  annum,  in  advance ;  and  if  in 
business  on  his  own  account,  paying  an  initiation  fee  of 
five  dollars,  and  the  farther  sum  of  five  dollars,  per 
annum,  in  advance. 

Art.  4.  Persons    may   be  elected   honorary  members 


by  the  board  of  direction  and  such  persons  shall  be  en- 
titled to  all  the  privileges  of  regular  membership  —  ex- 
cepting tlie  right  to  vote  and  hold  office. 

Art.  5.  Persons  not  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits 
may,  upon  the  approval  of  tlie  board  of  direction  and 
the  annual  payment  in  advance  of  five  dollars,  become 
beneficiary  members,  entitled  to  the  same  privileges  as 
honorary  members. 

Art.  6.  Any  person  paying  fifty  dollars  at  any  one 
time  may,  if  approved  b}'  the  board  of  direction,  become 
a' life  member,  and  if  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits, 
shall  enjoy  the  full  privileges  of  membership. 

Art.  7.  A  perpetual  membership  is  hereby  created, 
the  price  of  which  shall  be  one  hundred  dollars,  negotia- 
ble and  transferable  to  such  party  as  ma}^  have  been 
approved  by  the  board  of  direction,  which  membership 
shall  perpetually  entitle  the  owner  to  all  the  privileges  of 
regular  or  beneficiary  membership,  subject,  however,  to 
all  the  restrictions  and  qualifications  provided  for  in  Ar- 
ticles 3  and  5  of  the  constitution. 

Art.  8.  Members  shall  be  subject  to  the  rules  and 
regulations  adopted  for  the  management  of  the  library 
and  reading  room,  and  for  the  protection  of  the  property 
of  the  association  ;  and  if  any  member  shall  violate  the 
aforementioned  rules  and  regulations,  or  shall  for  three 
months  neglect  or  refuse  to  pay  his  dues,  the  board  of 
direction  shall  have  power,  by  a  two-thirds  vote,  to  expel 
such  member. 

Art.  9.  There  shall  be  an  annual  meeting  of  the 
members  of  this  association  on  the  second  Tuesday  in 
January,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the  reports  of  the 
treasurer  and  board  of  direction,  and  for  the  transaction 
of  such  other  business  as  may  be  presented. 

Art.   10.  The  president  at  the  request  of  the  board 


-7- 

of  direction,  or  at  the  written  request  of  twenty-five 
members,  stating  the  reasons  therefor,  shall  call  a  meet- 
ing of  the  association  for  the  transaction  of  special  busi- 
ness, giving  three  days'  notice  thereof. 

CHAPTER  II. 

OF    OFFICERS. 

Article  1.  The  officers  of  this  association  shall  be  a 
president,  vice-president,  corresponding  secretary,  re- 
cording secretary,  treasurer  and  seven  directors  —  no 
member  to  hold  the  office  of  president  or  vice-president 
more  than  two  successive  years.  On  the  third  Tuesday  of 
January,  1863,  a  full  board  of  officers  shall  be  chosen, 
as  hereinafter  provided,  who,  at  their  first  regular  meet- 
ing, shall  proceed  to  divide  themselves  by  lot,  into  two 
classes,  consisting  each  of  six  members ;  one  of  which, 
constituting  the  first  class,  shall  serve  one  year,  and  the 
other,  constituting  the  second  class,  shall  serve  two 
years;  and  at  each  succeeding  annual  election,  six  mem- 
bers only  shall  be  elected,  to  serve  two  years,  to  fill  the 
places  of  those  whose  terms  shall  then  expire ;  and  no 
member  of  this  association  shall  be  eligible  to  a  seat  in 
the  board  of  direction  unless  he  shall  have  been  a  mem- 
ber for  at  least  twelve  months  previous  to  the  election. 

Art.  2.  The  president  shall  preside  at  the  meetings 
of  the  association  and  of  the  board  of  direction,  and 
preserve  order  therein,  and  shall  have  a  vote  on  all 
questions  as  other  directors.  He  shall  have  supervision 
over  the  affairs  of  the  library  subject  to  the  board  of 
direction. 

Art.  3.  The  vice-president,  in  the  absence  of  the 
president,  shall  perform  the  duties  of  that  officer. 

Art.  4.  The   corresponding   secretary    shall  conduct 


tlie  correspondence  of  the  association  under  the  super- 
intendence of  the  board  of  direction. 

AiJT.  5.  The  recording  secretary  shall  keep  an  accu- 
rate record  of  the  transactions  of  the  association,  and 
of  the  board  of  direction. 

Art.  G.  The  treasurer  shall  deposit  all  moneys  paid 
over  to  him  bj''  the  association  in  such  depository  as  the 
board  of  direction  may  designate,  and  shall  pa\^  all  drafts 
on  him  when  signed  by  the  recording  secretary  and 
countersigned  by  the  president,  and  keep  a  regular  ac- 
count of  the  financial  concerns  of  the  association  ;  an 
abstract  of  which,  accompanied  by  satisfactory  vouchers, 
he  shall  exhibit  at  each  annual  meeting. 

Art.  7.  The  president,  vice-president,  secretaries, 
treasurer,  and  directors  shall  constitute  a  board  of  direc- 
tion, with  full  power  to  enact  by-laws,  appropriate  funds, 
manage  the  property,  and  conduct  the  affairs  of  the  asso- 
ciation ;  provided^  hoiuever,  that  no  appropriation  of  more 
than  two  thousand  doUars,  for  any  one  object  (except 
ordinary  current  expenses),  shall  be  made  without  the 
assent  of  the  association.  Tlie  board  shall  meet  at  least 
once  in  each  month  for  the  transaction  of  business  and, 
at  the  annual  meeting,  report  its  proceedings  for  the  last 
year  and  the  state  of  the  association. 

Art.  8.  In  case  of  grave  misconduct,  the  board  of 
direction  shall  have  power,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  its 
members,  to  expel  a  member  of  the  board.  When  any 
member  of  the  board  of  direction  shall  absent  himself 
without  adequate  cause  or  excuse  from  three  consecutive 
meetings,  his  place  as  a  member  of  the  board  of  direction 
shall  be  declared  vacant. 

Art.  9.  A  permanent  removal  from  the  city  and  county 
of  St.  Louis  disqualifies  an  officer  from  exercising  his 
office,  and  is  equivalent  to*a  tender  of  resignation  on  his 
part. 


—  9  — 

Akt.  10.  In  case  any  vacancies  may  occur  in  the 
board  of  direction,  the  board  shall  kave  power  to  fill  the 
same. 

Art.  11.  There  shall  be  an  election  for  officers  of 
this  association  on  the  Tuesday  succeeding  the  annual 
meeting.  The  polls  to  be  opened  at  9  o'clock,  a.  m., 
and  closed  at  3  o'clock,  p.  m.,  and  no  member  shall  be 
entitled  to  vote  who  is  in  arrears  for  dues,  and  no  mem- 
ber of  this  association  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  at  any 
election  for  officers,  unless  he  shall  have  been  a  member 
at  least  three  months  previous  to  said  election ;  and  all 
elections  shall  be  by  ballot,  except  when  otherwise  or- 
dered. 

Art.  12.  One  week  previous  to  each  election  for  offi- 
cers of  the  association,  the  board  shall  give  public  notice 
thereof  and  shall  also  appoint  inspectors  to  superintend 
said  election  ;  and  if  a  failure  to  elect  a  board  of  direction 
or  any  part  thereof  shall  occur,  said  inspectors  shall  order 
a  new  election,  to  be  held  in  one  week  thereafter,  to  fill 
such  vacanc}'. 

Art.  13.  The  board  of  direction  shall  enter  upon  the 
performanceof  its  duties  on  the  Tuesday  next  succeeding 
its  election. 

CHAPTER  III. 

OF    THE    LIBRARY     A>rD    READING     ROOM. 

Article  1.  The  board  of  direction  shall  adopt  rules 
and  regulations  for  the  management  of  the  library  and 
reading  room,  and  for  the  protection  and  preservation  of 
the  property  of  the  association. 

Art.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  to  appoint 
a  librarian,  and  to  require  of  him  sufficient  sureties  for 
the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duties,  in  a  sum  to  be  deter- 


—  10  — 

mined  by  the  board.     The  board  shall  also  appoint  such 
other  employes  as  maj^  be  deemed  necessary. 

Art.  3.  A  committee  shall  be  appointed  by  the  board 
of  direction  to  examine  the  books  and  other  property  of 
the  association,  and  report  thereon  at  least  one  month 
previous  to  each  annual  meeting. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  LECTURES  AND  CLASSES. 

Art.  1.  When  the  funds  of  the  association  shall 
warrant  such  expenditure,  and  when  suitable  accommo- 
dations can  be  provided  therefor,  the  board  of  direction 
may  make  provision  for  an  organized  system  of  instruc- 
tion, by  means  of  lectures,  classes,  and  such  other  means 
of  mutual  improvement  as  may  be  deemed  advantageous. 

CHAPTER  V. 

OF    AMENDMENTS. 

Article  1.  There  shall  be  no  alteration  in  this  con- 
stitution, unless  the  same  shall  have  been  proposed,  in 
writing,  to  the  board  of  direction,  at  least  one  month  pre- 
vious to  an  annual  meeting  of  the  association.  It  shall 
then  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  direction  to  deliberate 
upon  the  proposal,  and  if  it  meet  the  approval  of  two- 
thirds  of  their  body,  they  must  bring  it  up  before  the 
next  annual  meeting  of  the  association,  and  if  it  there 
receives  the  approval  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  of 
the  association  then  present,  it  shall  be  adopted. 


BY-LAWS. 


ARTICLE  I. 

BOARD    OF    DIRECTION. 

Section  1.  The  stated  meetings  of  the  board  shall  be 
at  tlie  rooms  of  the  association  on  the  third  Tuesday  of 
every  month  at  such  hour  as  the  board  may  from  time  to 
time  direct,  except  in  the  month  of  January  when  the 
meeting  will  be  held  on  the  first  Tuesday. 

Sec.  2.  The  president  may  call  special  meetings  at 
any  time ;  and  any  three  members,  if  they  desire,  may 
also  have  a  special  meeting  convened  through  the  presi- 
dent. A  majority  of  all  the  members  elect  shall  consti- 
tute a  quorum,  but  three  members  present  at  any  meet- 
ing may  adjourn  to  a  subsequent  day. 

Sec.  3.  On  taking  the  chair,  the  president  shall  call 
the  board  to  order,  and  the  secretary  shall  call  over  the 
list  of  members  alphabetically,  noting  the  absentees ; 
when  he  shall  read  the  minutes  of  the  last  meeting. 

Sec.  4.  The  president  shall  preserve  order  and  de- 
corum ;  he  may  speak  to  points  of  order,  in  preference 
to  members  of  the  board,  and  shall  decide  questions  of 
order,  subject  to  appeal,  as  is  usual. 

Sec.  5.  When  any  member  is  about  to  speak,  he  shall 
rise  from  his  seat  and  address  the  president,  and  confine 
himself  to  the  matter  he  introduces,  or  which  is  before 
the  board. 


—  12  — 

Skc.  6.  When  a  motion  or  resolution  is  made,  it  shall 
be  handed,  if  in  writing,  to  the  secretary,  and  by  him  re- 
read before  it  is  debated  ;  and  every  resolution  shall  be 
reduced  to  writing,  if  the  chairman  order  it,  or  a  mem- 
ber desire  it. 

Sec.  7.  No  new  motion  or  proposition  shall  be  ad- 
mitted under  color  of  amendment,  as  a  substitute  for  the 
motion  or  resolution  under  debate ;  any  member,  how- 
ever, may  call  for  a  division  of  the  question  when  the 
sense  admits  of  it. 

Sec.  8.  When  a  question  is  under  debate,  no  motion 
or  proposition  shall  be  receiver!,  but  to  adjourn  ;  to  lie  on 
the  table ;  for  the  previous  question  ;  to  postpone  indefi- 
nitely ;  to  postpone  to  a  given  day  ;  to  commit ;  to  amend  ; 
which  several  motions  shall  take  precedence  in  the  same 
order  as  here  arranged.  Motions  to  adjourn  shall  always 
be  in  order,  except  when  a  member  is  speaking,  and  shall 
be  put  without  debate. 

Sec.  9.  A  motion  for  amendment,  until  decided,  shall 
preclude  further  amendment  of  the  main  question. 

Sec.  10.  Motions  and  reports  may  be  committed  at 
the  pleasure  of  the  board. 

Sec.  11.  All  questions  shall  be  propounded  in  the 
order  in  which  they  are  moved  ;  and,  in  filling  blanks, 
the  largest  sum  and  the  longest  time  shall  be  put  first ; 
reconsiderations  of  questions  can  only  be  had  at  a  first 
subsequent  meeting. 

Sec.  12.  The  yeas  and  nays  shall  be  entered  on  the 
minutes,  at  the  call  of  any  two  members. 

Sec.  13.  The  board  may  resolve  itself  into  a  commit- 
tee of  the  whole  at  any  time,  when  amendments  made 
shall  nOt  be  entered  upon  the  journal  without  they  are 
carried  in  the  board  ;  and,  when  in  committee,  the  presi- 
dent shall  leave  the  chair  and  appoint  a  chairman. 


—  13  — 

Sec.  14.  Any  standing  rule  of  the  board  may  be  sus- 
pended for  the  time  being,  on  a  motion  passed  by  a 
majority  of  two-thirds  of  the  whole  board. 

Sec.  15.  No  money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  treasury, 
except  by  concurrence  of  a  majority  of  all  the  members 
elect,  and  then  the  question  shall  be  decided  by  yeas  and 
nays. 

Sec.  16.  No  appropriations  sliall  be  made  in  advance, 
and  the  actuary  shall  present  all  bills  to  the  board,  to  be 
audited  and  allowed  before  payment  of  the  same;  pro- 
vided, however,  that  the  Board  may,  by  a  standing  order 
adopted  as  prescribed  in  the  preceding  section,  authorize 
the  monthly  payment  of  such  salaries  and  ordinary  cur- 
rent expenses  as  they  may  designate,  when  the  bills  there- 
for shall  have  been  audited  and  approved  by  the  committee 
of  ways  and  means.  Bills  for  freight  and  similar  unavoid- 
able expenses  are  excepted  from  these  provisions. 

Sec.  17.  The  President  and  Recording  Secretary  shall 
not  issue  any  draft  on  the  treasury  unless  for  bills  ap_ 
proved  by  the  board,  or  by  the  committee  of  ways  and 
means  under  a  standing  order  of  the  board. 

Sec.  18.  The  president  shall  have  authority  to  enforce 
the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  library  and  to  carry  into 
full  effect  the  orders  of  the  board  of  direction.  He  may 
suspend  any  employe  for  cause,  but  shall  report  such 
action  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  board,  and  where  author- 
ized by  the  by-laws,  may  remove  or  discharge  an  emploj'^e. 

ARTICLE  II. 

COMMITTEES. 

Section.  1.  At  the  first  meeting  after  the  election  of 
the  board,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  may  be,  the  president 
shall  appoint  the  standing  committees  of  the  board .     They 


—  14  — 

shall  be  as  follows,  and  consist  of  three  members  each, 
except  the  committee  on  books  and  donations,  which  shall 
consist  of  five,  viz. :  — 

First.  Committee  of  ways  and  means. 

Second.  Committee  on  library  and  reading  room. 

Third.  Committee  on  books  and  donations. 

Fourth.  Committee  on  classes  and  lectures. 

Fifth.  Committee  on  building. 

Each  of  which  committees  shall  report  monthly. 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  committee  of  ways 
and  means  to  exercise  supervision  over  the  finances  of 
the  association  and  to  report,  from  time  to  time,  to  the 
board  of  direction  their  recommendations  as  to  the  man- 
agement of  the  same.  They  shall  meet  on  or  before  the 
tenth  day  of  each  month  and  audit  all  current  bills  and 
accounts  against  the  association,  and  if  found  correct 
and  for  purposes  authorized  by  the  board,  shall  order 
payment  of  same ;  they  shall  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
actuary  and  librarian  and  see  that  they  are  properly  kept 
and  that  all  subscriptions,  fines,  forfeitures,  donations 
and  other  moneys,  are  duly  collected  and  paid  over  to  the 
treasurer ;  they  shall  examine  the  reports  of  the  treas- 
urer and  certify  to  their  correctness,  and  that  the  money 
is  actually  where  it  is  claimed  to  be.  They  shall  present 
to  the  board  monthly,  a  detailed  statement  of  the  receipts 
and  expenditures  of  the  preceding  month  and  report  on 
the  condition  of  the  finances  and  their  recommendations 
thereon.  The  books  of  the  treasurer,  librarian,  and  act- 
uary shall,  at  all  times,  be  open  to  inspection  by  the 
committee  of  ways  and  means. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  thecommittee  on  library 
and  reading  room  to  examine  into  the  condition  of  the 
room,  its  cleanliness  and  order;  and  they  shall  have  a 
general   supervision  of   all    the   books  therein ;  see  that 


—  15  — 

they  are  properly  classified,  catalogued  and  arranged,  and 
report  to  the  board,  on  the  state  and  condition  of  the 
same. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  committee  on  books 
and  donations  to  examine  and  report  on  suitable  books 
for  the  library  ;  to  acquire  by  purchase ;  to  solicit  and 
accept  donations  of  books  and  other  articles  applicable 
to  the  library  and  reading  room  ;  and  to  recommend  from 
time  to  time  (when  the  finances  will  warrant),  the  pur- 
chase of  new  works,  and  to  take  into  consideration  such 
matters  as  shall  be  referred  to  it  by  the  board. 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  committee  on  classes 
and  lectures  to  organize  such  classes  and  to  provide  such 
lectures  as  may  be  necessary  to  carry  out  any  system  of 
instruction  which  the  board  of  direction  may  adopt,  and 
for  which  they  shall  have  made  provision. 

Sec.  6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  committee  on  build- 
ing to  exercise  a  general  supervision  over  the  condition 
and  repair  of  the  library  building ;  to  examine  into  all 
complaints  of  tenants  or  members  as  to  the  condition 
thereof,  and  endeavor  to  remedy  same  if  found  neces- 
sary ;  all  their  action,  however,  to  be  subject  to  the  ap- 
proval of  the  board.  The  actuary  shall  report  to  this 
committee,  and,  when  necessary,  act  under  their  direc- 
tion in  matters  relating  to  the  building.  The  president 
of  the  association  shall  be  ex-offlcio  a  member  of  this 
committee  and  chairman  thereof. 

ARTICLE  III. 

TREASURER. 

Section  1.  The  Treasurer  shall  make  monthly  reports 
of  the  state  and  condition  of  the  treasurj'^,  exhibiting,  in 
detail,  his  receipts  and  payments,  and  the  balance  in  the 


—  IC  — 

treasury  ;  if  invested  how  ;  and  lie  shall  deposit  all  funds 
of  the  association  in  such  depositories  as  the  board  of 
direction  may  designate.  On  resigning,  or  being  sus- 
pended from  office,  he  shall  hand  over  to  his  successor 
all  money  or  moneys,  books,  vouchers  and  other  papers 
of  the  association,  in  his  possession. 

Sec.  2.  The  treasurer  may  be  required  by  the  board 
of  direction  to  give  bond  with  security  for  the  faithful 
performance  of  his  duty,  and  in  an  amount  to  be  stipu- 
lated by  them.  His  books  shall  be  open  at  all  times  to 
examination  by  the  president  and  committee  of  ways  and 
means  and  any  committee  appointed  by  the  board  to  ex- 
amine same. 

ATTICLE  IV. 

RECORDIXG    SECRETARY. 

Section  1.  The  recording  secretary  shall  keep  a  faith- 
ful record  of  all  the  proceedings  of  the  board  of  direc- 
tion, together  with  the  proceedings  of  the  association. 
He  shall  sign  all  drafts  on  the  treasurer  for  liills  approved 
by  the  board,  or  by  the  committee  of  ways  and  means  un- 
der standing  orders  of  the  board.  He  shall  cause  to  be 
notified,  in  such  manner  as  the  board  shall  direct,  all 
members  of  the  board  of  its  stated  or  special  meetings, 
and  publish  a  notice  of  the  meetings  of  the  association  ; 
and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  enjoined 
on  him  by  the  board. 

ARTICLE  V. 

CORRESPONDING   SECRETARY. 

Section  1.  The  corresponding  secretary  shall  conduct 
the  correspondence  of  the  association,  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  board  of  direction,  and  shall  keep  a  record 
of  the  same. 


17 


ARTICLE  VI. 

LIBRARIAN. 

Section  1.  The  librarian  shall  be  elected  at  a  regular 
meeting,  the  approving  vote  of  a  majority  of  all  the 
members  of  the  board  being  necessary  to  an  election. 
He  shall  hold  his  office  during  pleasure  and  may  be  re- 
moved by  the  vote  of  a  majority  of  the  board.  His 
salary  shall  be  such  as  shall  be  fixed  by  a  majority  of 
the  whole  board  ;  the  same  shall  be  payable  monthly,  by 
draft  on  the  treasury,  in  the  usual  form  ;  and  for  moneys, 
books,  and  other  property  temporarily  committed  to  his 
charge,  he  shall  file  with  the  president  a  legal  bond,  with 
one  or  more  securities,  approved  by  the  board  of  direc- 
tion, in  the  sura  of  two  thousand  dollars,  which  bond 
shall  be  increased  or  diminished  at  the  pleasure  of  the 
board,  and  additional  security  ordered,  if  deemed  neces- 
sary. 

Sec.  2.  The  librarian  shall  have  charge  of  the  library, 
reading  rooms,  and  offices  of  the  association,  and  shall 
keep  the  same  in  a  clean,  wholesome,  and  attractive  con- 
dition, and  shall  maintain  good  order  and  quietness 
therein  at  all  times.  He  shall  have  charge  of  all  the 
property  of  the  association  therein  not  expressly  com- 
mitted to  the  custody  of  the  actuary,  and  he  shall  be 
responsible  for  its  orderly  arrangement,  good  condition, 
and  safe-keeping. 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  have  cl^arge  and  direction  of  the  re- 
ceiving, classifying,  cataloguing,  and  issuing  of  books 
and  periodicals,  and  of  the  distribution  and  arrangement 
of  papers  and  magazines  in  the  reading-rooms,  and  shall 
conduct  the  same  in  such  manner  as  will  facilitate   the 


—  18  — 

business  of  the  library  and  minister  to  the  comfort  and 
convenience  of  its  patrons. 

Sec.  4.  He  shall  see  that  the  business  of  the  library 
and  reading  room  is  properly  conducted  in  all  its  details 
and  that  the  rules  and  regulations  thereof  are  complied 
with.  He  shall  be  responsible  for  the  efficiency  and 
courtesy  of  the  force  employed  in  the  library,  and  to 
these  ends  shall  have  control  over  all  employes,  subject 
to  the  board  of  direction. 

Sec.  5.  He  shall  collect  all  fines  and  forfeitures  at  the 
desk  when  practicable  and  pay  same  over  to  the  actuary 
at  stated  intervals,  taking  his  receipt  therefor,  and  shall 
report  all  fines  and  forfeitures,  remaining  one  month  un- 
paid, to  the  actuary  for  collection.  In  the  absence  of 
the  actuary  he  shall  receive  subscriptions  and  donations, 
and  make  all  collections  usually  made  by  the  actuary,  and 
shall  pay  the  same  over  to  the  treasurer  in  the  same 
manner  as  required  of  the  actuary.  On  the  first  Monday 
in  each  month,  he  shall  file  with  the  committee  of  ways 
and  means  a  full  account  of  all  mone3^s  received  by  him 
and  paid  over  to  the  actuary. 

Sec.  6.  The  keys  of  the  library  iind  reading  room  shall 
be  in  his  possession,  and  in  case  of  his  sickness  or  un- 
avoidable detention  from  his  duties,  he  must  cause  the 
president  to  be  notified,  without  delay,  and  place  the 
keys  in  his  possession,  and  in  this  contingency,  the  presi- 
dent is  authorized  to  appoint  a  temporary  librarian. 

Sec.  7.  He  shall  be  punctual  in  opening  and  shutting 
the  reading  room  at  the  hours  named  in  the  rules,  and 
these  hours  shall  he  exclusively  devoted  to  the  interests 
of  the  association,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  private  busi- 
ness of  his  own. 

Sec.  8.  All  powers  and  duties  related  to  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  business  of  the  library,  reading  room  and 


—  19  — 

offices,  not  expressly  reserved  to  the  actuary,  shall  be- 
long to  the  office  of  librarian. 

Sec.  9.  The  librarian  shall  consult  with  and  be  directed 
by  the  president  and  committees  of  the  board. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

ACTUARY. 

Section  1.  The  actuary  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
president,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  board,  and, 
under  the  supervision  of  the  president,  shall  have  charge 
of  the  business  department  of  the  association ;  he  shall 
at  any  time  be  subject  to  removal  from  office  by  the 
president  or  by  the  board  of  direction  and  in  case  of  such 
removal  the  president  shall  appoint  his  successor,  who, 
upon  being  confirmed  by  the  board,  shall  hold  the  office 
subject  to  the  same  conditions  as  his  predecessor. 

Sec.  2.  His  salarj-  shall  be  fixed  by  resolution  of  the 
board  of  direction,  and  shall  be  paid  monthly  by  warrant 
in  the  usual  form ;  and  for  the  faithful  custody  of  the 
money  and  other  propert}'^  committed  to  his  care  and  keep- 
ing, he  shall  be  required  to  file  with  the  president  a  legal 
bond,  with  one  or  more  securities,  and  in  such  sum  as 
the  board  may  direct.  This  bond  shall  be  subject  to  the 
annual  approval  of  the  board,  and  may,  at  their  pleasure, 
be  increased  or  diminished. 

Sec.  3.  The  actuary  shall  have  an  office  in  the  library 
building,  and  all  the  books  and  accounts  of  the  associ- 
ation, save  the  books  properly  appertaining  to  the  cata- 
loguing and  issuing  of  books  from^the  library,  shall  be 
entrusted  to  his  care,  and  he  shall  be  held]accountable  for 
the  safe  keeping  of  the  same.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to 
correctly  keep  the  books  and  accounts  of  the  association, 
attend  to  the  collection  of  rents,  of  members'  subscrip- 


—  20  — 

tions  and  dues,  and  to  have,  under  the  direction  of  the 
committee  on  building,  a  general  supervision  of  the  library 
building  ;  but  nothing  herein  contained  shall  authorize 
any  interference  with  the  economy  or  discipline  of  the 
library,  reading-room  and  offices,  as  to  all  which  he  shall 
be  subject  to  the  orders  of  the  librarian.  He  shall  keep 
a  full  and  accurate  list  of  all  the  members  of  the  associa- 
tion, and  collect  promptly  their  subscriptions  as  they  ex- 
pire, and  report  immediately  to  the  librarian  the  names 
of  the  members  whose  subscriptions  he  shall  have  collected  ; 
he  shall  also  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  from  time 
to  time  be  devolved  upon  him  by  the  president  and  the 
committees. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  the  especial  duty  of  the  actuary  to 
use  his  utmost  diligence  to  increase  the  number  of  mem- 
bers and  donations ;  and  the  names  and  classification  of 
new  members  shall  by  him  be  immediately  reported  to 
the  librarian  to  be  entered  on  his  register  of  members, 
and  whenever  the  funds  of  the  association  in  his  tem- 
porary possession  shall  amount  to  one  hundred  dollars, 
or  over,  he  shall  deposit  the  same  with  the  treasurer, 
taking  duplicate  receipts  for  the  amount,  one  of  which 
shall,  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  each  month,  be  filed  with 
the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  ways  and  means. 

Sec.  5.  The  actuary  shall  furnish  to  the  board,  at  each 
regular  meeting,  the  names  of  all  new  members  who  may 
have  subscribed,  or  proposed  to  subscribe  as  such  ;  he 
shall  also  furnish  the  board  at  each  regular  meeting,  a 
list  of  all  members  who  have  removed  from  the  city,  and 
all  withdrawals  of  members,  with  the  reasons  assigned  for 
such  withdrawal. 

Sec.  6.  When  a  member  of  this  association  is  in  ar- 
rears for  three  months,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
actuary  to  make  a  final  demand  upon  him  for  the  same, 


—  21—     • 

and  on  his  failure  lo  comply  therewith,  to  notify  the  board 
at  their  next  regular  meeting,  that  he  may  be  stricken  off 
the  roll  of  members. 

Sec.  7.  The  actuary  shall  be  directl}'  responsible  to 
the  president,  and  shall  perform  his  several  duties  in  such 
manner  as  may  be  prescribed  by  him.  He  shall,  in  no 
case,  issue  a  certificate  of  membership,  unless  the  same 
has  been  first  countersigned  by  the  president. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

JANITOR. 

Section  1.  The  janitor  shall  be  appointed  by  the  presi- 
dent, subject  to  the  approval  of  the  board,  and  may  be 
removed  by  the  president  or  by  the  board  of  direction,  in 
which  case  the  president  shall  appoint  his  successor,  sub- 
ject to  the  approval  of  the  board. 

Sec.  2.  The  janitor  shall  have  charge  of  the  building 
and  halls,  and  shall  keep  the  same  in  cleanly  condition 
and  good  order,  and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  per- 
taining to  the  building  and  library  as  may  be  required  of 
him  by  the  librarian. 

Sec.  3.  The  janitor  shall  be  subordinate  and  subject 
to  the  control  and  direction  of  the  librarian,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  see  that  the  janitor  shall  perform  the  duties 
of  his  office,  and  report  to  the  president  any  and  all  fail- 
ures in  the  performance  of  said  duties. 

ARTICLE   IX. 

ENGINEER. 

Section  1.  The  engineer  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
president,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  board.  The 
president  or  board  of  direction  may  remove  him  at  any 


22 

time,  and,  in  case  of  such  removal,  tlie  president  shall 
appoint  his  successor,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
board.  His  wages  shall  be  fixed  by  the  day,  week  or 
month. 

Sec.  2.  The  engineer  shall  have  charge  of  the  boiler 
and  engine  rooms,  and  of  all  boilers,  engines,  steam 
fittings,  elevators,  and  electric  plant  and  fittings,  in  the 
building,  subject  to  instructions  from  the  actuary  and 
committee  on  building,  and  shall  keep  the  same  in  good 
working  order  and  repair,  and  shall  maintain  a  proper 
standard  of  heat,  light  and  power  for  all  purposes  re- 
quired by  the  board. 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  make  requisition  on  the  actuary  for 
all  necessary  supplies,  and  the  actuary  shall  purchase 
same  or  direct  them  to  be  purchased.  The  engineer  shall 
in  no  case  give  any  order  for,  nor  make  any  purchase  of, 
supplies  or  merchandise,  nor  order  or  contract  for  any 
repairs,  for  account  of  the  association,  nor  hire  labor, 
except  as  above  directed.  In  the  absence  of  the  actuary, 
the  committee  on  building  shall  order  supplies.  Viola- 
tion of  this  rule  will  be  considered  ground  for  discharge 
from  the  employment  of  the  board. 

ARTICLE  X. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Section  1.  All  deeds,  leases,  bonds,  contracts,  and 
other  valuable  papers,  shall  be  deposited  in  the  hands  of 
the  president  of  the  association ;  which,  in  the  event  of 
his  resignation  or  death,  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of 
the  vice-president,  who,  on  the  new  president  coming 
into  office,  shall  deposit  them  with  him. 

Sec.  2.  All  bonds  for  securing  the  fidelit}^  of  officers 
or  emplo3^es  shall  be  subject   to  annual  examination  and 


—  23—     ' 

approval  by  the  incoming  board  and  may  be  increased  or 
diminislied  at  the  pleasure  of  the  board,  and  additional 
security  may  be  ordered  by  the  board  at  any  time,  if 
deemed  necessary. 

Sec.  3.  All  elections  or  appointments,  made  by  the 
board  of  direction,  shall  be  b}^  ballot. 

Sec.  4.  The  fiscal  year  of  the  association  shall  com- 
mence on  the  first  of  January,  and  end  on  the  thirty-first 
of  December. 

Sec.  5.  The  By-Laws  of  this  association  shall  only  be 
amended  at  a  regular  meeting  of  the  board,  notice  of 
such  amendment  having  been  proposed,  in  writing,  at  the 
previous  regular  meeting,  and  shall  only  be  enacted  by  a 
majority  of  all  the  members  elect  voting  for  tliem. 


By-Laws  and  Regulations 


OF  THE 


LIBRARY  AND  READING  ROOM. 


Article  1.  The  Library  and  Reading  Room  shall  be 
open  every  da}'  throughout  the  year  excepting  Sundays, 
the  Fourth  of  July,  Christmas  and  New  Year,  Thanks- 
giving Day  and  such  other  days  as  the  board  may  direct. 
The  hours  during  which  the  rooms  shall  be  kept  open  for 
the  public  shall  be:  from  October  1st  to  June  1st,  from 
10  o'clock  a.  m.  till  9  o'clock  p.  m.  ;  and  from  June  1st 
to  October  1st,  from  9  o'clock  a.  m.  to  7  o'clock  p.  m. 

Art.  2.  The  librarian  shall  keep  a  full  and  accurate 
catalogue  of  all  books,  magazines,  maps,  charts  and 
papers  belonging  to  the  association,  and  arrange  them  in 
proper  order  ;  he  shall  keep  a  duplicate  of  the  same,  which 
shall  at  all  times  be  open  to  the  inspection  of  members ; 
he  shall  make  a  record  of  all  books  presented  to  the  as- 
sociation, in  a  book  provided  for  that  purpose,  with  the 
names  of  the  donors. 

Art.  3.  He  shall  register,  in  a  book  prepared  for  that 
purpose,  and  to  be  kept  in  the  library  room,  the  name 
of  each  member  of  this  association ;  and  shall  in  no  case 
deliver  a  book  to  any  member,  until  the  name  of  such 
member  shall  have  been  so  registered. 

Art.  4.  He  shall  enter,  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  the 
purpose,  the  number  of  every  volume  delivered  by  him  ; 


—  25  — 

the  name  of  the  person  to  whom  elclivered  ;  the  time  of 
taking  and  returning  the  same,  together  with  the  fines  or 
forfeitures  arising  from  every  default. 

Art.  5.  He  shall  collect  all  fines  and  forfeitures  in- 
curred by  the  members,  and  account  for  the  same  to  the 
actuary  at  the  close  of  each  month,  or  oftener,  if  re- 
quired by  the  board  of  direction,  and  such  accounts  for 
fines  and  forfeitures  as  he  cannot  succeed  in  collecting 
within  one  month  from  the  time  same  shall  be  due,  he 
shall  hand  over  to  the  actuary  for  collection. 

Art.  6.  He  shall  replace  the  books  in  proper  order 
upon  the  shelves,  as  soon  as  may  be  after  they  are  re- 
turned, having  first  examined  them  with  care,  and  ascer- 
tained whether  they  have  been  injured  or  defaced. 

Art.  7.  At  the  beginning  of  each  month  the  librarian 
shall  ascertain,  by  an  examination  of  the  issue  cards, 
what  books,  if  any,  are  being  kept  out  be3''ond  time,  and 
shall  notify  the  members  detaining  same.  Valuable 
books  shall  be  sent  for,  the  members  detaining  them  be- 
yond the  time  allotted,  to  be  charged  with  all  expenses 
incurred  therefor. 

Art.  8.  He  shall  deliver  to  any  member  applying  per- 
sonally or  to  his  loritteii  order^  one  volume,  if  it  be  a 
folio  or  quarto  ;  and  one  book  or  set  (not  exceeding  three 
volumes),  if  an  octavo,  duodecimo,  or  volume  of  less 
size.  He  may  loan  to  members  additional  books,  not  ex- 
ceeding three  volumes,  such  members  being  required  to 
pay  ten  cents  for  each  two  weeks,  or  fractional  part 
thereof  for  each  volume. 

Art.  9.  Every  member  may  detain  each  book  or  set 
of  three  volumes  delivered  as  aforesaid,  two  weeks. 
No  book  shall  be  reserved  by  the  librarian  for  any 
member. 

Art.  10.  Any  member  who  shall  detain  a  book  or  set 


—  26  — 

longer  than  the  time  above  limited,  shall  forfeit  and  pay 
to  the  librarian,  for  every  day  a  volume  is  so  detained, 
two  cents ;  provided^  always^  if  a  whole  set  be  taken  out 
and  a  part  of  it  be  detained  longer  than  the  time  above 
limited,  the  fine  shall  be  exacted  for  each  volume  not  re- 
turned. 

Art.  11.  If  any  member  lose  or  injure  a  book,  he  shall 
pay  the  full  published  price  of  same  to  the  librarian  within 
one  month  from  the  date  of  such  loss  or  injury;  and  if 
the  book  lost  or  injured  be  one  of  a  set,  he  shall  pay  to 
the  librarian,  the  full  published  price  of  said  set,  and  may 
thereupon  receive  the  remaining  volumes  as  his  property. 
All  such  forfeitures  to  be  paid  over  to  the  actuary ; 
provided^  that  members  losing  or  injuring  books  or  sets, 
as  above,  may,  within  one  month  from  date  of  such  loss 
or  injury,  replace  the  books  or  sets  b}^  copies  of  the  same 
editions  of  the  same  books  or  sets.  After  one  month? 
only  the  money  value  of  such  books  or  sets,  as  above,  will 
be  received. 

Art.  12.  No  member  shall  be  permitted  to  receive  a 
book  from  the  lib4'ary  until  he  shall  have  paid  all  sums 
due  from  him  to  the  association,  and  made  good  all  dam- 
ages and  losses  which  he  may  have  occasioned. 

Art.  13.  Books  of  reference  and  rare  or  specially  val- 
uable books  shall  not  be  taken  from  the  library  except  by 
special  permission  of  the  librarian ;  provided,  hoiuever, 
that  encyclopedias,  cyclopedias,  dictionaries,  atlases,  and 
books  specially  reserved  by  the  board  of  direction,  shall 
in  no  case  be  taken  from  the  library  rooms. 

Art.  14.  Any  member  wishing  to  withdraw  from  the 
association  must  inform  the  actuary  of  it;  see  that  his 
resignation  is  registered,  and  pay  up  his  dues  and  fees ; 
else  he  will  be  considered  as  continuing  a  member,  and 
charged  accordingly,  unless  otherwise  ordered  b}"  the 
board  of  direction. 


—  27  — 

Art.  15.  Any  member  of  tliis  association  who  shall 
neglect  to  comply  with  any  of  the  rules  of  the  same, 
shall  be  notified  by  the  librarian  or  a  committee  of  the 
board  of  his  neglect;  and  should  he  then  refuse  to  com. 
ply  with  any  of  the  said  rules,  regulations,  or  by-laws,  he 
shall  be  declareil  to  have  forfeited  his  membership,  and 
deprived  of  all  the  benefits  thereof. 

Art.  16.  No  newspaper,  pamphlet  or  periodical  shall 
be  taken  from  the  reading  room. 

Art.  17.  The  rules  and  regulations  of  the  library  and 
reading  room  and  such  by-laws  as  relate  to  the  privileges 
and  duties  of  members  and  to  penalties,  shall  be  printed 
in  conspicuous  type  and  hung  in  convenient  places  in  the 
library  and  reading  room. 


REGUL/VTIONS  OF  THE  READING  ROOM. 


Article  1.  Smoking  in  the  library  or  reading  room  is 
proliibited. 

Art.  2.  No  member  shall  be  permitted  to  remain  in  tlie 
library  or  reading  room  with  his  hat  on,  or  without  his 
coat,  or  place  his  feet  on  the  tables,  chairs,  benches  or 
other  furniture. 

Art.  3.  No  conversation  shall  be  allowed  in  the  read- 
ing room,  otherwise  than  in  a  whisper. 

Art.  4.  No  member  shall  be  allowed  the  privilege  of 
the  reading  room,  unless  all  dues  and  forfeitures  incurred 
are  liquidated. 

Art.  5.  None  but  members  shall  be  allowed  the  privi- 
lege of  the  reading  room,  unless  introduced  by  a  member 
of  the  association. 

Art.  6.  Any  member  may  have  the  privilege  of  intro- 
ducing a  friend,  not  a  resident  of  the  city,  whose  name 
shall  be  registered  by  the  librarian,  in  a  book  provided 
for  that  purpose,  and  who  will  receive  a  ticket  of  admis- 
sion to  the  reading  room  for  the  term  of  four  weeks. 

Art.  7.  Any  member  who  shall  mutilate  the  periodicals 
or  papers  placed  in  the  reading  room,  or  remove  them 
therefrom,  shall  be  liable  to  a  fine  equal  to  four  times  the 
cost  thereof,  or  to  forfeiture  of  membership  at  the  discre- 
tion of  the  board  of  direction. 

Art.  8.  Readers  may  consult  within  the  library  rooms 
any  number  of  volumes,  the  same  being  registered  when 
furnished  them  and  cancelled  when  returned  by  them. 

Art.  9.  The  librarian  and  his  assistants  have  full  power 
and  authorit3^,  and  it  is  made  their  duty,  to  enforce  strict 
observance  of  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  library  and 
reading  room. 


S  X  .     LOUIS 


Mhrcantilh  Librar 


Southwest  Cor.  Broadway  and  Jioeust  Street. 


TERMS    OF    MEMBERSHIP. 

Any  person  engaged  iu  mercantile  pursuits,  a.-  a   PROPRIF^T' 
may  become  an  active  member  by  paying  an  initiation  fee  of  Five 
lars,  and  an  annual  subscription,  payable  in  advance,  of  Five  DoUarsJ 

Ant  person  similarly  engaged,  as  a  CLERK,  may  become  an  acti| 
MEMBER  by  paying  an  initiation  fee  of  Two  Dollars,  and  an  annual  si 
scriptiov  of  Three  Dollars. 

Ant  person  not  engaged  in  mercantile  i>ursuits,  including  ladij 
students,  and  others,  may  become  BENEFICIARV  MEMHERS  by  i)ay] 
Five  Dollars  annually  in  advance. 

Life  Membership..  Fifty  Dollars. 

Perpetual  Membership,  One  Hundred  Dollars. 


THE   LIBRARY 

^fow  contains  SKV  ENTY-THREE  THOUSAND  VOLUME??,  to  which 
works  of  general  interest  are  added  promptly,  and  in  numbers  propc 
tionate  to  the  demand. 


THE   READING-ROOM 


Is   regularly   supplied    with  tlie   principal    ntnvspapers    and    uiaga/.in* 
domestic  and  foreign.    The  library  and  reading-room  are  open  from  5)| 
M.  to  7  P.  M.  from  Jime  Jst  to  October  Ist,  and  from  10  a.  m.  to  0  v.  m.  fi( 
October  1st  to  June  let. 


GAYLAMOUNT 
PAMPHLET  BINDER 

Manufoduted  by 

3AYLORD  BROS.  Inc. 

Syracuse,  N. Y. 

Stockton,  Calif. 


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